Parts printed during a Tinkerine workshop

Both based in Vancouver, Canada, the two parties have signed an industry and institutional research agreement, which will see them explore personal product machinery, software and services for educational institutes.

Supporting academic research activities enabled by the Engage Grant for Colleges, College and Community Innovation Program of the Natural Sciences, and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the partnership began last month and will run until March 2018. The partners hope their collaboration will garner valuable information regarding the adoption of 3D printing and implementation of courses in the education space.

Among Tinkerine’s products and services are the Ditto and Litto desktop 3D printing system, the Tinkerine Suite 3D slicing software, and the Tinkerine U education platform. Tinkerine U offers educators the chance to integrate 3D printing to the classroom via free online courses and hands-on, open-ended design challenges. Educators can also ‘join the community’ and take part in discussions and share ideas.

The company’s new partner, Emily Carr, has been providing education and conducting research since 1925. It has locations in Vancouver and Prince George, BC, and has nearly 2,000 full-time students. The university is passionate about education and research in the creative fields, as demonstrated by its Material Matters department's partnership with Tinkerine.

Together, they have outlined eight core elements in which their alliance will focus. They include: Literature Review and Material Survey; Core Design Brief Development and Prototype; Design Research Probe #1; Design Aesthetics and Mechanical Optimisation; Software and Mechanical Optimisation; Design Research Probe #2; Final Proof of Concept; and Final Project Brief.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Emily Carr and their exceptional staff in the continued development of Tinkerine and it suite of products and services,” said Tinkerine CEO, Eugene Suyu. “Emily Carr is a world recognised leader in education and design, and our collaboration will advance our mandate to become a global leader in 3D printing for the education sector.”

Keith Doyle, Co-Director of Material Matters, Emily Carr added: “Material Matters specialises in developing collaboration with industry and enterprise through faculty-led and student-driven research creation activities centred on pragmatic additive manufacturing, 3D printing products and services. What a thrill it will be for our faculty and students to collaborate with Tinkerine Studios and we look forward to contributing to their continued successes.”